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Published
September 2011

The history of biology is populated by numerous model species or organisms. But few vertebrate groups have aided evolutionary and ecological research more than the live-bearing fishes of the family Poeciliidae. Found throughout tropical and subtropical waters, poeciliids exhibit a fascinating variety of reproductive specializations, including viviparity, matrotrophy, unisexual reproduction, and alternative mating strategies, making them ideal models for research on patterns and processes in ecology, behavior, and evolution.

Ecology and Evolution of Poeciliid Fishes is a much-needed overview of the scientific potential and understanding of these live-bearing fishes. Chapters by leading researchers take up a wide range of topics, including the evolution of unisexual reproduction, life in extreme environments, life-history evolution, and genetics. Designed to provide a single and highly approachable reference, Ecology and Evolution of Poeciliid Fishes will appeal to students and specialists interested in all aspects of evolutionary ecology.

25 Evolutionary genetics and molecular ecology of the major histocompatability complex genes

Mark McMullan and Cock van Oosterhout

26 Oncogenetics

Manfred Schartl and Svenja Meierjohann

Part VI. Conclusions

27 Integrative commentary on Ecology and Evolution of Poeciliid Fishes

John A. Endler

Review Quotes

L. A. Jawad | Journal of Fish Biology

“Outstanding. . . . [Ecology and Evolution of Poeciliid Fishes] is an excellent addition to the ichthyology library.”

P. Chakrabarty | Choice

“An excellent volume. . . . Finding these papers all in one book gives the reader a different perspective and context to the entirety of the wonderful world of these diverse, amazing fishes. Highly recommended.”

Wilfredo A. Matamoros | Copeia

“[A]n outstanding compilation of contributions by the leading scientists in poeciliid research.”

Anne E. Houde, Lake Forest College

“Ecological and evolutionary study of the poeciliid fishes has exploded over the past two decades, inspired in large part by the 1989 volume edited by Meffe and Snelson. Now, Jonathan P. Evans, Andrea Pilastro, and Ingo Schlupp have brought together insightful syntheses of recent advances in a wide range of topics in poeciliid evolution, ecology, and reproductive biology. The ‘future directions’ sections alone of these chapters will be of immense value in inspiring research in coming decades and should be required reading for beginning researchers.”

Robert C. Cashner, University of New Orleans

“This book is an incredible compilation and contribution on the Poeciliidae, which are among the most studied fishes in the world. The coverage is well organized into twenty-seven relevant and informative chapters by cutting-edge scientists. This work will be eagerly awaited by poeciliid and non-poeciliid researchers. There are many topics that will be of interest to the ichthyological community and other vertebrate biologists, as well.”

For more information, or to order this book, please visit http://www.press.uchicago.edu